The City of Angels is home to much more than just the glam and glitz of Hollywood, with some of the world’s greatest weather high on the list. Maybe L.A.‘s golden summers and mild winters are why it took home the #3 spot on two of our 2017 Travel Hacker lists: most popular destinations and most popular family destinations.
So how should you enjoy the sunshine when traveling to L.A.? We’re glad you asked. Let some real Los Angelinos be your guides.
Sun day, fun day
“We’re lucky in Los Angeles because the weather is beautiful most of the time,” said Yvonne Condes and Sarah Auerswald of MOMSLA. “A favorite thing to do on an off day is go on a hike to the Hollywood sign. On the hike up, you’ll meet locals on a day hike and happy tourists. Once you get to the top, you’ll find incredible views of the city.”
More fun in the sun is only a short ways outside the city, as well.
“Catalina Island is a short ferry ride away, or even shorter helicopter ride,” the MOMSLA duo said. “Visitors can snorkel, swim, hike, shop, eat, visit museums or just hang out and enjoy the beautiful island.”
Or maybe a drive up the coast is more your speed. If so, you’re in good company.
“I go to Santa Barbara, which is only a one-and-a-half hour drive north of Los Angeles,” said Stephanie Liu Hjelmeseth of blog Honey & Silk. “The coastal drive along the stunning shore and a fun afternoon wine tasting in the Funk Zone make for a perfect day a whole other world away.”
Stephanie isn’t the only Funk Zone fan.
“I love to drive up to Santa Barbara,” said Caroline Juen of blog Love & Loathing Los Angeles. “I have lunch at my favorite spot – Brophy Bros. – in the marina, I’ll do some wine tasting in the Funk Zone, then possibly stick around for the night at one of my favorite hotels in the area.”
Of course, Caroline knows there’s plenty to do in L.A. proper.
“No day in LA is ever the same, but some of my favorite things to do would be go to a Dodgers game, an outdoor movie screening, preferably at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, or walk, eat and shop on Abbot Kinney Boulevard,” she said.
Forecast: Relaxation
La-la-land also knows how to pamper visitors.
“I love to drive up the coast to Malibu to hop out and have lunch somewhere along the ocean, or I love a good spa day at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Four Seasons, or The Beverly Hills Hotel. Pool time post-massage is always a bonus,” Caroline said.
Of course, she isn’t the only one into sunny relaxation.
“We’re all about tapping into L.A.’s beauty and all its green spaces, and getting in touch with nature is the most relaxing,” said Ashley and Jenn of My Best L.A. Day. “After a stressful week, we often spend a Saturday morning hiking Los Liones Trail in the Pacific Palisades, and then visiting the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine, which is an oasis in L.A. This meditation garden and temple is one of the most relaxing places in the whole city!”
And if you really want to escape the city to take in the magic of Mother Nature, Palm Springs is less than two hours away.
“The majestic purple mountains, swaying palm trees, retro vibe and slower pace really make it an ideal weekend getaway,” the ladies of My Best L.A. Day said. “There are so many quaint boutique hotels to choose from, but make sure it’s a place that makes you feel all Ava Gardner. We love hiking Tahquitz Canyon, browsing mid-century modern furniture shops, grabbing cocktails at The Tropicale, and just lounging by the pool.”
Too much to do in one day? Have no fear. There’s always tomorrow, and odds are the forecast calls for sunshine.
Header Image Attribution: Andrew F. Kazmierski/Shutterstock.com
